The current research proposal is designed to assess the influence of cocaine on creativity.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Other condition
Synonym
Health condition
cognitief functioneren
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
Different measures of divergent and convergent thinking as measured with the
following tasks:
Divergent thinking:
- Alternative Use Task (testscore on originality, fluency, flexibility and
elaboration)
- Pattern Meanings Task (total number of responses, originality sum score)
- Picture Concepts Test (number of correct named relations)
Convergent thinking:
- Remote Association Task (number of correct named associations)
- Tower of London (total number of correct answers en reaction time)
Secondary outcome
Secundary outcome measures are the results on various questionnaires:
- Profile of Mood States
- Self Evaluation of Creative Performance Scales
- Visual Analogue Scales-high
- Barrat Impulsivity Scale
- Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory
Background summary
Large anecdotal evidence suggests that creative people sometimes use cocaine to
help overcome "blocks". Indeed, the acute consumption of cocaine increases
synaptic dopamine levels and induces optimism, mild euphoria, excitation,
talkativeness, increased energy, and enhanced self-esteem; factors that are
known to play a role in the creative process. Surprisingly, no study, so far,
has systematically looked into the acute effect of cocaine on creativity, which
fundamental ingredients are convergent and divergent thinking. These two
processes are differently affected by mood: positive mood leads to a better
divergent thinking, but it lowers convergent thinking.
Study objective
The current research proposal is designed to assess the influence of cocaine on
creativity.
Study design
The study will be conducted according to a double-blind, randomized,
placebo-controlled, 2-way crossover design.
Intervention
The intervention will be cocaine HCL 300 mg and placebo for all participants.
Study burden and risks
Participants will go through 2 sessions of approximately 3 hrs. The load for a
subject during a test day is restricted to (1) taking study treatments, (2)
taking blood samples, (3) filling out questionnaires and doing computer tasks
(60 minutes). During the periods that they are not tested (breaks), they will
be seated in a waiting room where they will be in close contact with one of the
researchers. In case they experience (medical) complaints, the medical
supervisor will be contacted.
Before a subject is enrolled in the study a medical screening will take place
(30 minutes). This screening also includes an ECG and urine - and blood
analyses. Subjects have to make sure to get a good nights rest before each
testday. Also they are not allowed to use cafeine or alcohol 24 hours prior to
each testday. During their participation in the study they are not allowed to
use any drugs.
Universiteitssingel 40
Maastricht 6229 ER
NL
Universiteitssingel 40
Maastricht 6229 ER
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
- subjects must have used cocaine on at least 12 separate occasions during the past two
years;
- good physical and mental health as determined by medical history and medical, ECG and
laboratory examination;
- BMI between 19 and 29 m2/kg;
- use of appropriate contraception;
- written informed consent;
- age between 18-40 (inclusive)
Exclusion criteria
- pregnancy or lactation;
- cardiovascular abnormalities as assessed by standard ECG;
- excessive alcohol use, defined as drinking more than 21 glasses of alcohol per week;
- history of drug abuse (other than the use of cocaine) or addiction;
- hypertension (diastolic> 90; systolic> 140);
- history of psychiatric and neurological disorders
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| EudraCT | EUCTR2013-000179-34-NL |
| CCMO | NL44859.068.13 |